Phenomenal success at MHS!

Markethill High School again celebrated record-breaking successes on Thursday morning. For a fourth consecutive year, the percentage of pupils achieving 5 grades at A*-C level was above 90% (currently 92%) and the percentage of pupils achieving the same figure, including English and Maths, was set higher than ever before in the school’s history, at 78%!

Mr McCoy, the school’s Vice-Principal, stated that ‘given the non-selective nature of the school and the broad spectrum of ability amongst the pupils who attend it, these figures are truly phenomenal. Indeed, they are testament to the fact that, regardless of a pupil’s starting point when they arrive in Year 8, every child is catered for and every child is encouraged to achieve their potential and more.’

Speaking of the current culture of aspiration and high expectation embedded in the school, Mr McCoy praised the dedication of the pupils and their commitment to study, paying tribute also to the highly professional teaching staff in their bids to open doors for pupils and to improve their life chances. ‘At Markethill High School, we believe in our own mantra: “No Labels; No Limits” and refuse to pigeonhole pupils or cap performance. Instead we set the bar high and we enable our children to reach it through a concentrated focus on essential knowledge and a knowledge-rich curriculum, driven by a desire to equip each child with the tools they need in order to progress in life’.

Mr McCoy commented on how success was in evidence right across the curriculum. Notably, the pass rate in English is currently 85% - a truly fantastic result and equally, the pass rate for Maths is at a very commendable 80%. Mr McCoy also expressed congratulations to several subjects that enjoyed a 100% pass rate – Triple Award Science, Double Award Science, History, French and Spanish to name but a few!

But of course, much excitement was felt for the pupils and their successes. ‘It was joyous to see so many of our young people happy on this very important day’ he added, ‘and as a staff, we will continue to watch the pupils’ progress, having nurtured them for five years both pastorally and academically.’ Mr McCoy highlighted some student successes: Dylan Haire & Joanna McCammon both achieved 8A*s and 2As; Jessica Anderson & Shannon Hendren both achieved 7A*s and 2As; Leah Alexander & Rachel Ingram both achieved 5A*s and 4As, while Mollie Huston achieved 4A*s and 5As.

Concluding his remarks, Mr McCoy reiterated his congratulations to all of the pupils on their results and reemphasised the school’s belief that, with such successes in evidence, it was high time that Markethill High School was awarded sixth form status for the pupils and community it serves.